GM recalling nearly 41,000 cars for potential fuel leaks

General Motors Co. said Saturday it is recalling nearly 41,000 vehicles sold in some hot weather states because a faulty part could cause fuel leaks and start a fire.GM said it recalling 40,859 2007-09 model vehicles that have a plastic piece on the fuel pump module that may crack, which could cause a fuel leak.

The vehicles involved are:

- 2007 Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent vehicles originally sold or now registered in Arizona, California, Nevada and Texas.

- 2007 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5, and Saturn Ion vehicles originally sold or registered in Arizona, California, Florida, Nevada or Texas

- 2008 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arizona.

- 2009 Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5 vehicles originally sold or currently registered in Arkansas, Arizona, California, Nevada, Oklahoma or Texas.

 

GM said owners of recalled cars may notice a fuel odor while the vehicle is being driven or after it is parked.

If the crack becomes large enough and impedes the flow of fuel to the engine, vehicle performance could be affected and a warning light may illuminate on the instrument cluster.

Fuel also may drip onto the ground and, if an ignition source were present, a fire could occur.

GM spokesman Alan Adler said it is unaware of any fires, crashes or injuries related to this issue. No vehicles outside the U.S. are being recalled.

Dealers will inspect and, if necessary, replace the fuel pump module. The recall will begin next month.

GM has been studying the issue for more than a year. In July 2011, a dealer contacted GM to notify the company that five vans had leaks at the fuel pump module. GM opened an investigation, which included the Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. The review of Equinox and Torrent warranty data in October 2011 showed "some trend" but overall rates were low.

In June, the National Highway Traffic Safety Administration contacted GM about owner reports of leaks on 2006-07 Chevrolet Cobalt, Pontiac G5 and Saturn Ion vehicles. The same month GM conducted a state-by-state analysis that showed higher rates in certain hot weather states, leading to the recall. In states that are not part of the recall, GM will offer free repairs of the condition for up to 10 years from the date of production or 120,000 miles for the 2006-09 model year Chevrolet Cobalt and Pontiac G5; 2006-07 Saturn Ion; and 2007-09 model year Chevrolet Equinox and Pontiac Torrent. GM said there was no statistically significant number of incidents in any of these states. The fuel pump module is supplied by Robert Bosch LLC in Farmington Hills, GM said